Rebecca showed the board the new magazine rack, which was
not a unanimous hit, and described several options for expanding shelf space
for DVDs. Buying a new DVD rack, better utilizing the space occupied by the old
magazine shelves and using the front-window space on the other side of the room
were among the possibilities discussed.

A programmable thermostat has been purchased but still needs
to be installed. One option is to have it done when the furnace gets cleaned,
although there are some reservations about pursuing that avenue because the
service guy dispatched when the furnace needed attention last winter did not
make a favorable impression.

The Thursday after-school program is drawing between 14 and
16 participants, which is a manageable number, particularly with the help of
volunteer Isabel Becker. Rebecca and Emily are planning some programs for
sixth- through eighth-graders. Scheduled for Oct. 29 is a Halloween movie
night, during which the students will be asked what sort of programs they might
be interested in. Also planned is a reading group that will be led by Tom
Diamond and begin Nov. 10.

Poet and essayist Sydney Lea will come for a reading on Nov.
15. The Vermont Humanities Council’s book series on the seven deadly sins will
occur during February, March and April. One activity that the Lyme library is
offering is “Zentangle” – a copyrighted drawing exercise for adults that is
supposed to be meditative and calming. The program is costing the Lyme library
$280.

Rebecca plans to work on annual statistics, which are due to
the state in mid-November.

Carol reported that she has talked with Earl Ransom about
the possibility of a Woodbury grant, which the board has discussed as a way of
helping fund the children’s programming component. The foundation will fund programs
once or twice, but not on a continual basis. The awards are announced in May;
an application would have to be made in February. Earl welcomes such an
application.

Friends Report:

Curt brought the Little Library he has constructed.
Admiration and appreciation were universal. He’s hoping to have it ready for
painting in a week or two.

David reported that the Friends annual meeting was a
success. More than 30 people attended. The first half was devoted to a business
meeting, during which the annual holiday sale was discussed. David is chairman
of that effort and reports it to be in good shape. After the business meeting,
Melanie Finn read from her new book.

The Friends are also exploring the possible purchase of a
sound system for the library. A personal wireless system would not be too
expensive and might be particularly suitable considering the infrequent need to
use it. Also being looked into is making programs offered by the community
access television station available to Strafford kids who might be interested
in learning about video production. One problem is transportation; the programs
are offered in White River Junction.

Treasurer’s Report

Rachel says that income and expenses are going pretty much
as was budgeted for 2015.

She and Rebecca have worked out a preliminary budget, which
doesn’t represent a huge departure from our current budget. The preliminary
budget projects $53,950 in income (up $650 from 2015) and $54,399 in
spending (up a little more than
$3,000).

Cindy said she would like to eventually incorporate an
assistant librarian/children’s programmer position into the regular budget
rather than funding it through grants.

Marty moved, Curt seconded and the board unanimously
approved seeking a level-funded appropriation from the town for 2016.

Other Business:

Mark Chute has said he will continue to shovel the paths for
the library, although he’ll be gone for two weeks in November. He suggested
that Steve Handy might be available as a backup.

The Building and Grounds Committee (aka Curt and Rocky)
inspected the library and found it to be in good shape with the exception of a
sill that needs some repair. Terry Garrison will check it out.

Cindy said the policy review is proceeding. She, Rachel and
Rebecca are close to being done reviewing and amending the librarian’s contract
and job description.

The annual appeals letter is written. The mailing list
probably needs to be edited down (we sent out between 400 and 500 last year).
Rachel will check out the cost of printing envelopes. Envelope stuffing will
occur at our next meeting, which will be on Nov. 9 at Curt’s house.

Curt said he would like the board to contemplate the
possibility of removing the remaining spruce. Its roots are creeping ever
closer to the building, and the removal of the spruce on other side opened up
that part of the property and made it more attractive.

In terms of long-range planning, Curt suggested the board
consider the possibility of a building expansion. The only realistic option
would be to expand out where the bulkhead is now located. It would be expensive
– Curt threw out $150,000 for 300 square feet as a ballpark figure – but it
would give us more usable space and allow us to address the drainage problem.